Boise Expands Its Legacy of Open Space

A Landmark Gift in the Boise Foothills

In an extraordinary act of generosity, the Satz Family is donating 44 acres in the Boise Foothills, just above Warm Springs Golf Course. The property, perched between the Mesa and Table Rock Reserves, will protect vital wildlife habitat and open the door to future trail connections within the Ridge to Rivers Trail System.

“This is an incredible donation that will help create additional hiking and biking connections across the Boise Front,” said Doug Holloway, Boise Parks and Recreation Director. “We appreciate the trust the Satz Family has in our team to care for this beautiful piece of property and know it will benefit residents for generations to come.”

A Future Pocket Park on the Boise Bench

Meanwhile, on the Boise Bench, the city is working to transform a small parcel into a neighborhood pocket park. The site, formerly owned by Veolia Water, sits within a 10-minute walk of more than 150 homes. Neighbors, led by Wanda and Bob Firman, petitioned for the property to be preserved as green space, an idea now set to become reality.

Through a creative partnership, Veolia will transfer the parcel to the city at no cost, while developing a new drinking water well at Manitou Park to better serve the community.

“Veolia is pleased to support the City of Boise’s goal of a park within a 10-minute walk for every resident,” said David Johns, Regional President of Veolia. “This land transfer benefits residents in two ways – a new park on Hummel Drive and a new water well in southeast Boise – a win-win for the community we both serve.”

Preserving Boise’s Backyard for Generations

From the foothills to the Bench, these two acquisitions reflect Boise’s enduring values: conservation, community, and connection. As Mayor Lauren McLean shared, “The trust we build with landowners and organizations through responsible stewardship of the city’s open space continues to pay dividends. We are grateful for the opportunity to protect Boise’s backyard and expand 10-Minute Walk to a Park access for Boiseans.”

With each new donation, trail, and park, Boise reaffirms what makes it so special: a city where every person can step outside, breathe deeply, and feel connected to nature and to each other.